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Benefits scam woman from Carlisle caught out on camera

A woman who wrongly claimed more than £15,500 in benefits will be sentenced at crown court.

Margaret Jane Buchanan, 59, of Chertsey Bank, Harraby, Carlisle admitted two charges of failing to notify a change in her circumstances when she appeared before city magistrates.

She will reappear at Carlisle Crown Court on October 4 when action will also be taken to recover the money in full under a Proceeds of Crime order.

The court heard that when she applied for benefits in 2006 she was entitled to disability living allowance and income support. She was paid the higher rate disability allowance because she needed help with her personal care and with getting dressed and making meals.

However, the Department of Work and Pensions recorded her walking without difficulty, driving a car unaccompanied and holding a young child after a tip-off last year.

The court was told the disability allowance claimed wrongly amounted to £6,313.56, with £8,742.60 in income support.

Lauren Heesley, defending, said that in 2007 she went through a divorce and her health deteriorated.

In a written statement to the DWP she said she suffered from arthritis and osteoporosis and was advised to go on a cruise to a warmer climate to help her condition.